Three days passed in the blink of an eye. Nothing out of the ordinary happened in Konoha, and the streets grew increasingly prosperous.
The weather today was rather gloomy, with clouds obscuring the sun.
Orochimaru preferred going out on such overcast days; on sunny days, he would usually hide in his laboratory.
In Orochimaru's underground base, a tightly shut door was pushed open. There was no dust on the door. For meticulous and dedicated researchers, dust in the laboratory was an insult to science!
Orochimaru's bloodshot golden slitted pupils showed annoyance. His experimental progress had once again hit a snag. Overcoming this obstacle was simple: he needed to conduct human experimentation!
Not just one or two, but many. Experimental projects required simulation based on big data; a couple of successful cases were simply unreliable. That was the kind of treatment reserved for people with protagonist templates.
After years of research, Orochimaru had to face the choice he made years ago: continue on his scientific path or live out his days peacefully in Konoha and wait for death.
This foolish question had been answered by Orochimaru ten years ago. Now, he was merely waiting for an opportunity. Furthermore, his research capabilities back then were not what they were today; he needed Konoha to provide him with more experimental subjects.
Why wouldn't he use free labor and resources!
However, by now, what Konoha could offer him was almost negligible. The only thing that held some attraction was the Hashirama Cells that Danzo had been mentioning for years. But after witnessing the terrifying strength of the members of the Eternal Organization, Orochimaru's interest in Hashirama Cells waned.
He was now more focused on—eyes! Or rather, doujutsu, kekkei genkai!
Orochimaru's golden slitted pupils narrowed. He had investigated thoroughly over the years. Whether it was the Rinnegan of the Lord of Eternal Life from back then, or Tsukuyomi's azure eyes from many years ago, these were not eyes that ordinary people possessed.
They must be some kind of doujutsu or kekkei genkai! Like those of the Uchiha and Hyuga clans.
Orochimaru unconsciously licked his cheek with his tongue, his eyes showing undisguised greed. He also wanted to possess such power!
Power comparable to gods!
Orochimaru suppressed his desires, twisted his head 180 degrees, sniffed the strange odor on himself, and frowned. His gaze fell on the VIP card casually placed on the table, and he hesitated for a moment.
Fine, soaking in a hot spring once a month wasn't bad!
...
In a small room in a loft opposite the Heaven Hot Spring, a lecherous Jiraiya was observing the "target" audience through binoculars.
"This one won't do! Too thin!"
"This one… actually brought her old flame to the hot spring! Unacceptable! Pass!"
"This one…"
Lin Yu, resting his chin on his hand, stood by and listened to Jiraiya's critiques with a speechless expression. He thought to himself, No need to look. These are all decoys I arranged. You won't find anyone you're interested in!
"Lin Yu, kid, your hot spring isn't doing very well! Why are there so few customers?"
Jiraiya's dissatisfied voice echoed. Lin Yu, as if he had prepared his response, blurted out,
"The war only ended not long ago. It's normal for the traffic to be low. It will get better in the future."
Jiraiya looked at Lin Yu gloomily and said, "Then why didn't you wait until the traffic increased before inviting me!"
If there were more people, what decoys would I need! If you really found someone you liked, wouldn't I be playing the villain!
It's better for anyone else to benefit than you, Jiraiya!
Lin Yu muttered inwardly, but outwardly, he comforted him, "Don't worry, it's still early. Beautiful women only come to the hot springs in the evening."
Jiraiya stroked his chin, a lecherous grin on his face. "Heh heh! You're right! I didn't realize we were kindred spirits!"
"Don't say that! I have plenty of people who like me, unlike you, an old bachelor!"
Jiraiya roared in anger, "Who are you calling an old bachelor! Do you believe I'll find a girl and break free from the single group today!"
Lin Yu remained silent, rolled his eyes, and shrugged: Say whatever you want, as long as you're happy!
"This infuriates me! You just wait and see!"
Jiraiya picked up his miniature binoculars and began to examine them carefully. Although from this angle, he could only see backs.
But with Jiraiya's experience as an old driver, let alone a back, even seeing a hand or a foot, he could imagine the complete picture!
As the sky gradually darkened, Lin Yu had already started to doze off. This was because he knew that the target would always come to the hot springs in the evening, so Lin Yu was not in a hurry.
But Jiraiya couldn't wait. After a whole day, there wasn't a single person who caught his eye.
Either they were so massive and burly that they could easily lift two or three Jiraiyas with one hand, or they were married women who came with their families. Jiraiya had not degenerated to the point of committing such lowly acts!
Of course! In Jiraiya's eyes, anyone who bathed alone was classified as a single woman!
And his peeping was just for material! How could a writer's actions be called peeping? This was called seeking writing material and improving his inspiration!
To write a timeless masterpiece, he, Jiraiya, was willing to be misunderstood by the world!
With this thought, Jiraiya nudged the dozing Lin Yu and quietly said, "Lin Yu, kid, besides running a hot spring, are you interested in investing in books and publications?"
Lin Yu yawned and said, "Literary works? Or pornographic books?"
"Of course, it's proper literary works! When I, Jiraiya, publish, every book is a masterpiece! How about it, want to invest in this immortal? I guarantee you'll make a fortune!"
Jiraiya thumped his chest and guaranteed.
"Yawn, let me see first."
Jiraiya was still a little reluctant. "No way! I've got some inspiration lately, and I just need a suitable title to start writing! Lin Yu, if you don't invest now, you'll be begging me later!"
Lin Yu glanced at the time and pretended to be annoyed. "Jiraiya, have you chosen yet? It's been a whole day. If you don't choose soon, I'm leaving."
Jiraiya quickly grabbed Lin Yu and said with a lecherous smile, "We didn't set a time limit when we made the agreement in the Land of Grass! Lin Yu, you can't go back on your word!"
"Alright then, I'll stay a little longer."
Lin Yu added mentally: But we also didn't set a gender limit!
Just as Jiraiya was about to strain his eyes, a slender figure appeared in his field of vision and quickly filled his pupils.
"The loose-fitting home kimono couldn't hide her snake-like supple waist. The dark hair tied with a ribbon fell perfectly down her back, gently swaying in the wind and stirring my heart!"
"Truly a woman painted as if from a poem!"
Jiraiya turned his head, his eyes full of hearts, and excitedly said, "Lin Yu! It's her! I've decided on her for tonight! I'm going to peep at her!"
Lin Yu glanced over and raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure?"
Jiraiya pounded his chest and roared, "I'm sure! I fell in love with her at first sight! Even thunder and lightning couldn't separate us!"
"Then… congratulations! You've hit the jackpot!"